Drug store veteran Robert Long passes away

Robert M. Long, former president, CEO and chairman of Longs Drug Stores passed away March 27 due to complications, which occurred as a result of inclusion body myositis.

Long was a well-known industry veteran having led Longs Drug Stores for more than 20 years. His retirement from the Walnut Creek, Calif.-based pharmacy retailer as CEO in 2000 marked the first time that a member of the founding family was not heading the company.

Long was elected to the board in 1968 and was elected president of Longs Drugs in 1975. In 1991, he was elected chairman and CEO. The Walnut Creek, Calif.-based pharmacy retailer had grown to 416 stores generating $3.7 billion in sales by 2000 when he relinquished the CEO title. Long continued to serve on the board as chairman from 2000 to 2003 and afterward as chairman emeritus. He stepped down from the board in 2007 at the age of 68.

When announcing Long’s retirement as chairman emeritus in 2007, then chairman, president and CEO of Longs Drug Stores, Warren Bryant said, "We are all very proud that we could open the 500th Longs Drugs and surpass $5 billion in sales before Bob announced his intentions to retire. The board of directors and the employees of Longs Drugs extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude for what Bob has contributed to the company that his father and uncle founded nearly 70 years ago."

In 2008, CVS Caremark acquired Longs Drug Stores, folding into its portfolio Longs’ 521 retail locations in California, Hawaii, Nevada and Arizona, as well as its PBM services. CVS/ pharmacy still operates under the Longs Drug Store banner in Hawaii.

The Long family has not yet finalized plans for a memorial service. Expressions of condolences can be sent to: Office of Robert Long , PO Box 3827, Walnut Creek, Calif., 94598-0827 .

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate contributions be made to a charity of your choice.

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